Ferrari's New Luce EV Sells Out in China Despite Harsh Criticism and a Nearly $600,000 Price Tag

Ferrari's first all-electric supercar has already become one of the industry's biggest surprises. Although the new Ferrari Luce faced widespread criticism following its debut, the model proved to be an instant success in China, where every available unit was snapped up almost immediately after orders opened.

Much of the early backlash centered on the car's styling. Critics—including some former Ferrari executives—argued that the design strayed too far from the brand's traditional identity. Investor confidence also took a temporary hit, with Ferrari shares reportedly falling about 6% after the vehicle's unveiling.

None of that appeared to discourage buyers in China.

Ferrari allocated just 88 examples of the Luce to the Chinese market, each carrying a sticker price of approximately $586,600. According to reports, every car was reserved shortly after sales began.

Performance is where the Luce makes its strongest statement. The electric supercar uses four independent electric motors that combine to produce roughly 1,050 horsepower. The front motors generate about 143 horsepower each, while the rear pair contributes approximately 422 horsepower apiece.

Ferrari also incorporated advanced rotor technology derived from its Formula 1 development program. The design is intended to maximize torque delivery while reducing motor weight, improving both performance and efficiency.

The battery pack has been engineered with handling in mind. Approximately 85% of the battery capacity is mounted beneath the floor between the axles, while the remaining 15% sits behind the rear seats. This layout creates a nearly ideal 47:53 front-to-rear weight distribution, helping optimize balance through corners.

The Luce also features an adaptive suspension system working alongside rear-wheel steering, torque-vectoring software that updates 200 times per second, and an advanced side-slip control system. Together, these technologies are designed to provide exceptional stability and precise handling under a wide range of driving conditions.

Aerodynamics also played a major role in the car's development. The Luce posts a drag coefficient of 0.254 and features an active front air shutter along with a system capable of lowering the front suspension by nearly 0.4 inches (10 mm) to improve airflow at higher speeds.

Inside, Ferrari has taken a different approach from its previous models. The cabin features a modern three-screen layout that includes a digital driver display and a centrally mounted touchscreen with a rotating mechanism. At the same time, Ferrari has retained a number of physical buttons and controls, giving drivers a more tactile experience than many current EVs.

The automaker has also developed a proprietary sound system that enhances the sensations produced by the electric motors. Rather than simulating the sound of a gasoline engine, the system creates unique audio and vibration feedback that changes depending on the selected driving mode, giving the Luce its own distinct character behind the wheel.

Whether opinions about its styling change over time remains to be seen. What is already clear, however, is that demand for Ferrari's newest electric flagship has exceeded expectations in one of the world's most important luxury-car markets.